The tissue paper included in the Chanel box may be more convincing than the cards. Authentic Chanel bags come with soft, high-quality tissue paper that is hand-folded.
If you want to buy vintage designer goods, read our guide on what you should consider before taking the plunge.
Despite Chanel's fortified defense mechanisms, counterfeiters have escalated their game by creating 'super fakes' that bear a close resemblance to authentic Chanel bags.
Another useful marker to authenticate a Chanel bag is to assess the hardware, which will exhibit several distinctive features. The metal is either purely gold-plated or silver-plated and does not peel off easily. The color of the hardware is consistent everywhere.
You want to know if your bag is the real deal, so what should you do first? If the bag has an authenticity card, skip it.
Technological developments and improved production have given rise to “super fakes” that can fool even experienced collectors.
An authentic bag always uses flathead screws on the backplate of the lock, never Phillips-head screws, which are a clear indicator of a copyright.
Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.
Even the counterfeiters who are able to use higher quality materials and construction - copyright bags known as “super fakes” - they often lack the attention to detail applied to authentic Chanel bags. Here is what to look for.
A hallmark of an authentic Chanel lock is its smooth and consistent finish is gold or silver, which should not show signs of flaking or discoloration, on the silver or gold plated surface, over time.
Real Chanel bags boast a higher stitch count, typically around 10 stitches per edge of the diamond quilting. While this count may slightly vary depending on the model and size, the concept is that it helps to maintain the bag’s sturdiness and durability.
That is why we have come up with the ultimate guide to spotting a fake Chanel bag. Read on fake vs real Chanel bag to find out how to authenticate a Chanel bag in 5 easy ways.
However, these serial number stickers can detach from vintage Chanel bags upon usage. Similarly, authentication cards can sometimes be misplaced too. So, their absence does not mean your bag is necessarily fake.
If you’re still unsure and want to explore how other luxury brands are authenticated, you might be interested in learning how to tell if Prada is real as well.